First long trip, What to take, tools etc?

[The Pastor]

keep the chain oiled (you should always have a can of chain oil)
buy a can of tyre inflate stuff ($15 and is enought to fill 3 bike tyres)
the bike should have a stock tool kit, this is good enough.

But basiclly you learn all the stuff from experiance!, just get out there and do it.

one thing to remeber is out of main centers gas stations close at like 8pm.... i always get caught out of this one, im really luckly that wellsford has efpos at pump!

[McDuck]

Lol i will be topping up every 100kms. I can get 300kms out of a tank and have gotten 400. (have also done 70 on the reserve for this reason, not fun), and no the bike don't have a tool kit. What should i Chuck in (other than what has already been said?)

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Lol i will be topping up every 100kms. I can get 300kms out of a tank and have gotten 400. (have also done 70 on the reserve for this reason, not fun), and no the bike don't have a tool kit. What should i Chuck in (other than what has already been said?)

Every 100ks if you can get 300ks heack wouldnt worry about that every 200 - 250 ks start thinking of gas... if later at night alot of the small towns have truck stop gas (heck even Lawerence has a truck stop)

Tool kit: couple of spanners, medium cresent, small pliers (or multi tool) screw driver, tie tags, duct tape. I use to take a spare spark plug and a tool to change if needed.

[McDuck]

Every 100ks if you can get 300ks heack wouldnt worry about that every 200 - 250 ks start thinking of gas... if later at night alot of the small towns have truck stop gas (heck even Lawerence has a truck stop)

Tool kit: couple of spanners, medium cresent, small pliers (or multi tool) screw driver, tie tags, duct tape. I use to take a spare spark plug and a tool to change if needed.

dont you need a fuel card to use a truck stop? I will be stopping every hundred or so to strech legs etc so why not?

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

dont you need a fuel card to use a truck stop? I will be stopping every hundred or so to strech legs etc so why not?

All of the truckie stops I have been to just take normal EftPos card... also a lot of the smaller towns are starting to put in 24hr self service... swipe your card, fill, get your reciept... ride away

[Bullitt]

One useful tool (probably not on a katana though) would be an allen key so you can get the fairings off. Unlikely youd need to for anything you can fix on the side of the road but itd be a bugger if something simple went wrong and you couldnt even touch it.

[McDuck]

Sweet......

[McDuck]

One useful tool (probably not on a katana though) would be an allen key so you can get the fairings off. Unlikely youd need to for anything you can fix on the side of the road but itd be a bugger if something simple went wrong and you couldnt even touch it.

I can get at most bits withotu removing the fairing.... love the kat....

[motorbyclist]

ok, thread is too long to read all of it so here's my list of "essentials" for a weekend trip

money - and i mean cash for those places without eftpos
cellphone
condoms (if you ever need them and dont have them you'll never forget them again, better with that without!)
atleast half a brain (never ride uninsured, keep bike in good condition, tension chain etc before leaving, common sense)

the tail end charlie should be carrying the following
AA card
screwdriver (the sort with different heads)
adjustable spanner X2
duct tape
cable ties <-- imo most important tool
stocked first aid kit <-- never ride without


if you have alot of clothes on a longer trip, a few days before leaving, just courier them to every second stop, probably works out cheaper than carrying them on the bike, makes life easier

[doc]

It's easy to overload yourself with crap you never use.

Most vital tools:

1. Cellphone
2. Credit/Debit Card.

Everything else is a luxury.

You can probably ditch the cellphone too.

Drink lots of water. Only have one coffee/caffeinated drink during the trip. Stay away from complex carbs/refined sugar. Eat regularly and eat light.

Your bike tool kit under the seat is good enough for simple things you can sort on the side of the road. If you don't have a tool in there that can make a temporary repair, you're probably going to be looking for a trailer/ute anyway.

Service the bike before you head off if it hasn't been done recently.

Clean the bike and check that everything works as it should before you set off.

Lube the chain at the beginning of each leg of your journey.

Check your tyre pressures.

Pack your clothes in plastic bags in case your luggage leaks.

Pack what you think you'll need and then take all the multiple items out except for underwear and socks. You'll be left with 2 t-shirts, a jersey, and a toothbrush.

Pack wets and spare gloves if you have them.

Most of all, stay off the main roads as much as possible, unless boredom and square tyres are a personal goal.

Probably the most sensible advice, the more trips you go on the less you will take, you will get some confidence in travelling, 500k aint a lot. GIjoe does it when he gets bored .He gets bored a lot.

[Freakshow]

And remember if you are using Pannier bags to check them regulaly!! They can shift and can cause problems BANG

[Matt_TG]

So, how did it go for you? Any dramas, tips, close shaves?

[Kittyhawk]

Keep it simple...

The basics, cellphone and wallet and a tank bag!!!

in the tank bag you should have..
small bottle of water,
chain lube,
puncture repair kit,
food..
underwear,
toothbrush
and maybe on occasion a nappy (in case of those oh crap moments)
Maybe a cloth to wipe your visor
Wet weather overalls.
Kitchen rubber gloves (to put over your leather gloves if they arent waterproof)

Pfft there ya go....dont worry bout makeup, evening wear, and pantyhose!!

Apart from that travel light. Never use a backpack... too much restrictions on the shoulders for movement.

[chasio]

My 2 cents worth: I'd suggest putting your cellphone and wallet in ziplock or glad bags as well. Problem + wet phone = pissed off person.